Beginning January 1, 2024, the Town of Bracebridge’s new short-term rental accommodations licencing program will go into effect requiring all new and existing short-term rental operators to obtain a licence to operate their property legally. This program will help ensure compliance with regulations and establish a clear process for addressing issues and complaints using a demerit point system to assist with enforcement.
Short-term rental operators can begin to submit applications now for compliance beginning January 1, 2024. Licences must be renewed annually.
Applicants must submit the following items when applying for a licence:
- Certificate of insurance;
- Complete floor plan of the property;
- Site diagram;
- Signed licensee code of conduct and acknowledgement;
- Articles of incorporation or other incorporating documents if the property is owned by a corporation;
- Wood energy technical transfer report if there are any wood burning appliances in the property;
- Proof of septic system pump-out, if applicable, dated within the last five years;
- Fire inspection certificate; and a
- Building inspection certificate.
A short-term rental is a term used when all or part of a dwelling is used to provide accommodations for less than 28 consecutive days and can occur in various forms of residential dwellings, such as detached and semi-detached homes, duplexes, townhouses and apartments. The short-term rental licensing program does not apply to hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts.
The Town’s By-Law Enforcement branch monitors short-term rental activity and related concerns within Bracebridge. The licensing by-law will be enforced using a demerit point system and monetary penalties may be incurred.